BEYOND THE FOREST

Madagascar—a land of ancient forests, vibrant creatures, and ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth—transformed me. The island nation is home to playful lemurs and brilliantly colored chameleons, and more than 200,000 species—80% of which are endemic, which means they exist only on this island. As I wandered through the lush forest, I saw firsthand the delicate balance between the island’s unique ecosystems and the encroachment of human activity. It wasn’t just the breathtaking wildlife that struck me—it was the mounting pressure placed on their habitats.